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Message: Here's a great article I found at www.northwestnavigator.com: -- On Sunday, July 15, Ensign Allen Barnett of the Patrol Squadron (VP) 46 Grey Knights and his family (wife, sister and in-laws) set out on a weeklong road trip through the Pacific Northwest. Their first stop was at the Hoh River Valley of Olympic National Park where they planned to do a short day-hike. Upon arriving at the trailhead parking area, Barnett’s family started the hike while he stayed behind to reorganize the cramped Jeep Cherokee they were all traveling in. He planned to jog up the trail to catch up with them. After rearranging the group’s gear, Barnett began making his way to the trailhead. Before he reached the trail, a park worker came running toward the parking lot asking if anyone knew CPR. She stated that someone had collapsed on the trail and needed help. Barnett sprinted up the trail to find an elderly man lying on his back, unconscious and without a heartbeat. As he took charge of the scene and began CPR, Barnett was informed by the man’s wife that her husband had collapsed and fallen to the ground about five minutes earlier. Two other hikers soon arrived on the scene to assist. The three hikers administered CPR for approximately five minutes before the man regained a very weak pulse. Having restored the victim’s pulse, Barnett and the other two hikers began administering rescue breaths. Unfortunately, within minutes, the man’s heartbeat again became undetectable and Barnett immediately recommenced chest compressions. Eventually, someone brought a medical kit from the visitor’s center, which included a defibrillator. This helped, but only momentarily. Barnett continued the rotation of chest compressions and rescue breaths for nearly an hour and a half before paramedics were able to reach the remote location. By the time professional help arrived on the scene, the man’s pulse and breathing had stabilized thanks to continued, diligent lifesaving efforts directed by Barnett. Soon after the ambulance left, everyone said their thanks and good-byes then parted ways. Almost as quickly as the three strangers came together as one to help save a man’s life, they went their separate ways to continue their vacations. “I was fortunate to have been able to help,” said Barnett. ÒAn incident like this really puts things into perspective and brings home the importance of keeping your CPR training current.” He had received initial CPR and first aid training before joining the Navy and maintained his certification through periodic training, attributed to refresher courses offered at the different commands at which he served. Thanks to the selfless determination of Barnett and two other hikers, the 81-year-old resident of Lynnwood, Wash., who suffered a stroke and nearly lost his life, is recovering at a local hospital. http://www.northwestnavigator.com/index.php/navigator/regionalnews/knight_in_shining_armor_saves_life/